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Breakfast Thoughts: Lavender Oatmeal Squares

September 24, 2008

Let's interrupt our usual programming of decadent and creamy treats to talk about breakfast, shall we? You know, that "most important meal" of the day, the one that also defines our lifestyle, mood, habits. Even the last edition of Saveur, almost entirely devoted to breakfast made it to my mailbox right when I had breakfast oatmeal squares in the oven...sign.

Over the past years, I have been catching myself saying I love breakfast but what I should really say is "I'd love to have breakfast". I hardly have time or appetite in the morning for more than a cup of coffee and a few spoonfuls of yogurt. Everyday I tell clients about the benefits of a balanced breakfast and yet this is a classic case of "do as I say and not as I do". Bad me.

It has not always been the case. As a typical French child, my mom would fix hot chocolate, toast and jam, maybe a yogurt, before heading to school. Sometimes toast was a croissant or a slice of brioche (toasted with some honey, please!). More or less of the above combination made its way onto my plate as I grew up. Before I stopped running as much as I used to due to knee issues (my fault: run 5 miles each morning then go work at the restaurant for 10-12 hours, 6 days a week...6 years later, you can imagine the x-rays!!), I would fix myself a good breakfast. Then I started going to bed later and later each day and waking up earlier and earlier and my appetite, time or desire for breakfast went down the drain.

I started to look into other cultures for inspiration and different fares and still nothing. I wanted to be a breakfast eater!! I finally realized that I can't eat a lot in the morning so breakfast would have to comprise a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients in a two to three bite something. Breakfast squares became an obvious and manageable choice for me. I can prepare them in 10 minutes the night before and grab a couple on my way out the door in the morning.

The dough is so forgiving and basic that you can change, substitute and replace at will. Today they were oatmeal, tomorrow they will be quinoa flakes. Almonds sometimes turn into pistachios, honey turns into agave syrup. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or a spoonful of flax seeds. Today it was a pinch of edible lavender buds. If I know the morning is going to drag into a late lunch, I'll have some with dried fruits for extra energy. You get the idea....the possibilities are quite endless and though it may not be the perfect breakfast, it is still better than what I would usually have: one big cup of coffee. Baby steps....

I have a curious mind and like you, I love to read about food so please tell me: "What do you eat for breakfast?"

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl combine the flour, oats, almonds and lavender and set aside. In a smaller bowl whisk together the egg, yogurt, honey and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir together with a large spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.Pat the dough into a squares directly on the parchment paper, cut through with a sharp knife into 9 pieces and bake for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake or you will end up with rocks under your teeth. Let cool and break the squares apart. Feel free to use a scoop and make drop cookies instead.

Note: Attention fellow bloggers! Martha Stewart is having a blog contest. For more info, please visit her blog "The Martha Blog".

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comments:

Helen, you had a happy childhood! Hot chocolate, croissant or brioche toast and jam for breakfast! I usually had lumpy oatmeal or, even worse, cream of wheat (of course, lumpy as well). Now I start my day with a bowl of low-fat cottage sprinkled with some nuts, and espresso. Your squares look like far better breakfast idea. I'll try them.

I love breakfast and hardly ever take the time to eat it. I love oatmeal and hardly ever take the time to fix it. I must do something about this now. These look so good and since I am home making a care package to send to my daughter and grandson. I will take the time to fix these and send them along. Thanks!

haha, as i was reading this post i was eating a few bites of ice cream for breakfast...not my usual fare, but since i was photographing it this morning it became breakfast. usually i just have coffee and hold out until lunch. my appetite is finicky the first few hours after i wake up too. these squares look like the perfect side-of-the-saucer breakfast.

Ah!! Breakfast used to be my favourite time - it used to be a quick fix of broken wheat porridge in the North (India) as school began early and we left a 6:00!! Later it became larger with stuffed parathas, flaked rice, idlis and dosas - stuff you probably might not relate to:) I still have complete breakfasts but lighter as the waistline has become twice proportion to the food taken:) Thanks for this lovely square - I would love pine nuts and dates instead of honey and almonds. This seems easy for mere mortals like me too!!

Oh!!! Oatmeal square and coffee! Only you can make breakfast still seem so romantic! Those look delicious, by the way. I totally would love to have someone wake me and feed me those in bed. Ha ha... Lazy me!!!I don't usually eat breakfast (read: rarely), but when I do, it's usually beans and toast. How English! :P

These look FABULOUS! Breakfast is actually my favorite meal of the day :). During the week, it usually consists of yogurt and cereal/granola, hot oatmeal with milk and brown sugar, or cream of wheat. A favorite lately is homemade whole grain bread covered with fresh ricotta cheese and drizzled with honey (yum!). On the weekends...the possibilities are endless :). I'll have to add these to my rotation!!

p.s. Sorry I've been totally MIA on your blog and mine lately. I'm going to post soon with an update explaining why I've been absent... The wedding was a big part of it!

I am always the most hungry in the morning, so I can never skip it. And since I'm so hungry, I usually eat something a bit more substantial - usually eggs in a tortilla - but this would make the perfect mid-afternoon snack for me!

I have a lovely fruity Muesli most days. The night before I soak a couple of spoonfuls of oats and a handful of raisins in cold water. In the morning I add whatever fruit I have: always banana, then maybe grated apple, usually berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) maybe chopped plum or nectarine, melon or mango if I have any - you get the picture. If I don't have fresh fruit (just before a shop) I use tinned prunes.

Then I top with a spoonful of natural yoghourt and some sunflower seeds - all in all a lovely, juicy, health breakfast.

Hmmm, on a good day I just have some yaourt de montagne and jam, or something much worse. These would be perfect to crumble up and stir in said yogurt! Although, even though I have some, I think I'd skip the lavender.

Also, I should be ashamed, the typical Swiss children I take care of don't eat nearly so well as you did at breakfast!

I never ate breakfast until I became pregnant- then I was forced to eat it or I would feel sick. Usually breakfast is something I can make and eat with one hand (because my baby is in the other hand!)- mostly whole wheat toast with peanut butter

I love breakfast...but am bad at making sure I eat it. As a child, my mother prepared breakfast for us every day...oftentimes serving it to us in bed with a cheery wake up call. Now, as an adult, when I do get the chance, it's usually yogurt with granola, toast and fruit, or some cold cereal (not my favorite...but quick and cheap). I'm so excited to see these yummy breakfast squares...I CAN have delicious breakfast again! Who knows...maybe I'll serve my husband breakfast in bed! Thanks! =)

I love simple oatmeal, with ground flax and wheat germ sweetened with maple syrup. Either that or some baked bread topped with sweetened ricotta. yum :) Those were two of my favorite posts to blog about too.

I can not skip breakfast or lunch or dinner as my husband can attest. One of my favorite things to fix for the busy weeks is my grits casserole (just put it up). Bake it and cut into squares then I have breakfast for 10 days. I also like Kalyn's egg muffins.I don't need a lot, but I sure need something. My empty stomach is the enemy of the world.Your oatmeal squares are just perfect.

I love breakfast! It is the most important meal of the day, right? I usually eat a whole grain cereal or oatmeal on the weekdays. I tend to eat at my desk! On the weekends we like to make breakfast treats...french toast is my all time favorite. We just did some peach pancakes that were pretty tasty too! We will have to try these oatmeal bars. They look fantastic!!

breakfast is one of my favorite meals; i hate skipping it, though i know it can be tough to find the time. my mon-fri breakfast is an egg white omelette with spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. if i'm lucky they might include some cooked beans with bits of onion, bacon, and a hint of chili.

i can't wait to try this recipe! lavender + honey sounds heavenly. one question: how do i know what lavender is edible? i have some that i planted in my patio. how do i know if that's ok to eat?

I am horrible about eating breakfast! Since I leave my house at 6AM, its just too early to fill my tummy. But, when I do eat its coffee (iced or hot) cream nno sugar, sometimes yogurt, cereal if I have a couple of minutes, but mostly fruit because a pear or apple is a driver friendly fruit. (Sorry Mr. Policeman!)

hrmmmm, i sometimes skip brekkie. i am not a brekkie fan. but lately i have been trying, so i like to eat... leftover dinner :) i prefer savory brekkie, but will usually eat fruit and some yogurt to be "good". i may give these bars a try!!

I have to eat breakfast in the mornings or else I can't function. In the summer I like slices of pear and banana dipped into fromage frais and in the winter porridge with dates, cinnamon and dark choc or honey drizzle. Also love granola but often end up eating this around lunchtime.Love the idea of the oaty squares and as you say so versatile.

Oh and for breakfast, I usually cut up a banana in a bowl (or berries or plums or..you get the point) and drizzle a little honey and cinnamon over top, then a couple blobs of plain yogurt and then mix in some oats... my favorite.

Reading this post made me think of my boyfriend, who is also a coffee-for-breakfast kind of guy. He would love these squares, so I think I'll have to give them a try! Me, I eat fimjölk with lingonberry preserves or crisp bread for breakfast/lunch, but when I have to go to school or work I eat a bowl of oatmeal porridge (50 cl porridge oats, 100 cl water, pinch of salt and microwave for a minute or two) with our homemade lingonberry preserves and milk. Coffee is obligatory.

Josephine: I'd look for lavender that is labeled "edible". In case of a doubt or if you can't find lavender labeled as food grade edible: heat up the honey in the microwave, add the lavender and let steep for a few minutes. Strain and proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.

I love coffee and pound cake for breakfast! I feel like such a renegade with all these healthy breakfast eaters, but honestly I can't stomach cereal or yogurt or protein shakes or anything like that. The other favorite is a fried egg sandwich with a little bit of cheddar cheese, mayo and ketchup - the best! But i have to be up for a few hours before I can eat that much!

French toasts, porridge with milk and caramelized bananas, little pancakes with home made plum jam and sour cream, bruschetta and soups. I love soups for breakfast, although usually I'm too lazy to prepare them so early.Your blog is fantastic. I come here every day.Regards from Poland :)

French toasts, porridge with milk and caramelized bananas, little pancakes with home made plum jam and sour cream, bruschetta and soups. I love soups for breakfast, although usually I'm too lazy to prepare them so early.Your blog is fantastic. I come here every day.Regards from Poland :)

Those are the kind of bars I like, I do very similar ones almost weeky. I eat them in the mid morning or afternoon. I love breakfast! It's not like I wake up hungry, I just love the ritual. It's like,ok, now the day's starting! I allways have a very hot latte and usually bread and ham or cheese, or a buttered toast.

I love breakfast foods, but am not a big breakfast eater. I LOVE brunch. I just can't handle a lot of food very early in the morning. I loved the simple breakfasts that the mother of the family I lived with in France would prepare, probably because they were nice and light! Now I tend to eat a piece of toast and half of a grapefruit. I have had to be more conscientious about what I eat because I'm pregnant.

Lots of pancakes and lots of instant breakfast. These oatmeal squares are a godsend for me though because I was just about to start the hunt for a good base recipe. Aidan likes these for a fast (ie, slept too long) breakfast before school (8am kindergarten - what was I thinking?!) Thanks for posting these!

Oh.... I forgot to tell you what I eat for breakfast. I usually start out with a cappuccino. A little bit later I'll eat something; either toast with jam, muffins (if I have some made) or if I'm really hungry-- 2 fried eggs with toast.

I don't have much of an appetite in the morning, but I've learned to have a few bites of something. Lately I've been on an oats kick..heart health and all that kind of thing...and I eat a little granola with some rice milk.

These, delicious looking squares look right for me. And, I think my kids will love them to bring when we are on the run to activities.

Hooray! I've got this one bookmarked and I'm finally not scared to try one of your recipes! I'm making these tomorrow for sure! I've even got all the ingredients. (I'm such a dork that I'm this excited.)

For breakfast I have a cup of Cheerios and a 1/2 cup of 1% milk almost every day. Today I had some early morning errands to run so it was a pumpkin nonfat latte and some cold noodles. But that was really more like brunch...

I need to have breakfast, but it's usually something light like cereal or yogurt. I love Hong dim sum breakfasts, but can't do it too often or I'll pack on the pounds! I really love your photos and the "sequence" of tying the bars together!

This post couldn't have come at a better time- I, too, have been having trouble squeezing in a decent breakfast every morning, despite how much I love breakfast foods! This sounds so perfect, I'll just have to veganize it and try it out. Thanks for sharing!

Those bars sound really delicious. I am a creature of habit. I love toast and a nice piece of cheese in the morning, except for days when I have to work then it's just whatever is available at work - often a bit of sourdough bread and some fruit.

I'm definitely a breakfast eater!I can't function without fueling myself. I get tired of eating same thing over and over again, so I don't really have "my usual" type of breakfast item other than coffee. But lately I have been eating yogurt with some fruits (fresh or frozen) and sprinkling granola - kind of like yogurt parfait. It's light, tasty and easy to make! ;)

oh those are so cute, i love it!! the string. i made little bars similar once with peanut butter and jelly, and wrapped them each in a little parchment with string and a flower sticker. if i had a phrase for baking (which i have on my photo portfolio) its presentation--c'est tout!

i like to hear that you were in a masters for history, i think all of the most brilliant people, in any field, all somehow studied history in their life. no matter what we end up doing, i dont think there is anything more worth human attention in study than history. but thats just me maybe.

I love breakfast!!! Yes it's my favorite meal and a nice ritual for me in the morning...even if it's just coffee and yogurt :) Regular days I just have coffee, and yogurt or cereal (I love all kinds of cereal, from oatmeal to quinoa porrdige!). Sometimes, I'll use leftovers from the night before to make a quick breakfast. I also like butter and jam tartines so I would have loved your childhood breakfasts! If I've got more time, like during the weekends, then I'll whip up a true Filipino breakfast of fried rice, fried egg, and cured beef/pork or sausage or smoked fish :)

Helen, these look amazing and they're portable!! During the week I usually have breakfast in the office, cappucino and brioche usually. On weekends I like to have a Canadian breakfast, French Vanilla coffee, pancakes or waffles and maple syrup! My favourite breakfast in the one I get in a lovely bar in my husband's hometown. Cappucino and fresh pastries!

I love it whenever someone make a suggestion for breakfast! Especially when your oatmeal squares can be made the night before. This helps a lot 'cause I'm part-zombie in the morning, if you get what I mean...

We always have muesli with sour milk and a couple of tomato bruschetta on a good morning.

Yum! I will make these tomorrow! I eat everything for breakfast, but my favorite is a fried egg over greens with vinaigrette. However, I generally eat oatmeal (also good, especially with apples, yogurt and caramel).

i have oatmeal but just plain will satisfied me and a cup of coffee for sure!!! wonderful cookies. love the cookies to be tied up like this , and the recipe were versatile too.... eye pleasing to view your post!

I love breakfast and am lucky to have a husband who makes it for me every weekday morning. My favourites are oatmeal with blueberries or raspberries, pancakes, or just bread and cheese and jam. And lots of coffee, of course.

I'm lucky to have a rather delicious cafeteria at work and often buy my breakfast here. I'll usually fix a plate of ricotta with fresh berries drizzled with honey, sliced almonds, flaxseeds, and a bit of shredded coconut. On the weekends, my boyfriend and I take turns feeding each other. I'll make him thick fluffy pancakes with some kind of fruit...he makes egg-things (scrambles, omelettes, etc.) Of course, breakfast on weekends usually happens around 1 or 2 or (gasp!) 3, when we actually pull ourselves out of bed...

Oh one final thought...he is russian and the times I've eaten with his family we've had very delicious but un-breakfasty things like caviar on blinis, sausages, cake, and black bread spread with butter and horseradish. Delicious but very unexpected.

I try to set a good example for the little ones: oatmeal porridge with a tray of good wholesome toppings such as granola, coconut, wheat germ, honey, craisins, maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Some time we pile everything on. I like to top it with cream.

this is a recipe I am dying to try...one of my favorite breakfast spots made oatmeal, lavender muffins and then just stopped one day...thanks to this post the memories come flooding back...I can almost taste them now. xo Traci

During the week my breakfast is coffee and a banana and whichever cold cereal is available. On the weekends after a looong bike ride I look forward to eggs fried in the middle of a piece of challah that has a hole cut out of it. YUM. Thanks for your fantastic blog!

Thank you everyone! I have now a pile of yummy, healthy and decadent breakfast ideas!!

g_lav: I use herbes de provence on meats and fish before grilling, veggies, etc...Basically I use it in everything that can be seasoned!! In our house it replaces Italian seasoning, basil, oregano,...you name it, when I can't use fresh.

I love breakfast. What would I love to have for breakfast ideally: Hot chocolate and a flaky croissant or brioche with strawberry preserves. What I end up really eating: occasionally leftovers (I like salad!--I know it's weird) if I have time, a cup of green tea and a handful of my various vitamins/supplements like omega 3's & probiotics! Weekend Brunch fave: Eggs benny.

Thank you for the healthy recipe :o) I just made these!!! I didn't have any lavender buds or almonds around, so I used pieced of cut up dried mango, and peanut butter.... and maple syrup instead of honey. Thank you for sharing this!! They're delicious... I just cut off a little edge for a test taste. I think I'm going to freeze them, and grab one on my way to work in the mornings... I find myself not feeling like eating when I wake up, but definitely needing substance an hour or two later. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!xox,Linnea

I loved your Daring Baker post and this one looks wonderful too — and easy to tweak to be gluten-free. Trail bars (breakfast bars) are a staple in my diet and I appreciate new recipes! Lavender buds? I've never tried anything like that. Sounds lovely.Melissa

My daughter would love these! She has a hard time eating breakfast before going to school so I have to come up with "treats" (ie: muffins, banana bread) so she actually eats instead of mumbling in front of her plate. Thanks so much for this recipe!

I made these with agava and loved them. I also ran the recipe through a nutrition web site and got good news. Serving size of 1/9 is 134 calories, 4 g fat, 20g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5g sugars, and 5g protein.

these were yummy. just made some with chopped dried apricots, chopped pistachios, sesame seeds, and even a few pumpkin seeds instead of the lavender. thank you so much for the recipe. i had been using a recipe similar but with loads of butter and brown sugar, yogurt and honey work much better.... i usually have a piece of fruit and some tea for breakfast. maybe gnaw on a bit of bread.

I eat oatmeal (the old-fashioned type) for breakfast every day. I also add flax seed meal, walnuts and milk to the oatmeal. I definitely need my cup of coffee (made from fresh ground beans) in the morning too.